CUSD 200 Board approves high-school novel list over parent objection

At its meeting at Hubble Middle School, the CUSD 200 Board of Education approved the district's high-school novel list after moving the item from the consent agenda to a formal action item and taking a roll-call vote.

The board heard public comment from Mary Hen Hensba, who identified herself as president of the WWPTA council, an adoptive parent and a former licensed foster-care provider. Hensba urged the board to postpone a vote on the novel Little Fires Everywhere for dual-credit high-school classes and asked trustees to read the book themselves. "I believe this novel is inappropriate for use in a dual credit class in our high schools," she said, arguing the book contains inaccurate depictions of adoption and foster care and "glamorizes high-risk behaviors" that could harm vulnerable students.

The superintendent's office and multiple board members said the list is primarily for AP and dual-credit courses and noted teachers' professional judgment and classroom context are important when assigning texts. One board member said many titles on the list are used as choice novels or to prepare students for AP exams and that denying access could disadvantage academically advanced students.

Board member Miss Bladder, who moved the item from consent last month, said she had "hesitation" about some material and raised concerns about "asynchronous development" in gifted students—strong academic ability paired with variable emotional development—and whether staff can reliably assess emotional readiness. Other trustees said concerns raised by the public should continue through the district's formal comment channels so they can be shared with staff.

The board voted on the action. The roll-call recorded five votes in favor, one opposed; the motion passed. (The approval covered the novels as presented in the board packet; the transcript does not show language of any substitute motion or amendment.)

The board did not change district policy on how teachers may assign titles; trustees and administrators said curricular decisions and supports remain school- and teacher-level responsibilities. The board suggested that written public comments be routed through the standard comment process so staff can respond and any concerns can be documented and reviewed.

Next steps: the approved list will remain posted as the district proceeds into the 2026'27 academic year. Parents and community members who submitted materials were told they may follow up with the board in writing.

Sources: public comment by Mary Hen Hensba; board discussion and roll-call vote recorded in the CUSD 200 meeting transcript.